Chapter 308

Finn Deross returned with arms full of lavish gifts.

The living room was now cluttered with exquisite packages—imported delicacies to limited-edition designer bags, each item worth a fortune.

Vivian Laurent's spacious apartment had lost a third of its floor space to these ostentatious offerings.

But what truly caught her off guard was the man lounging on her sofa.

"Miss Laurent. Long time no see."

Dominic Atlante reclined with the ease of someone in his own home.

"Mr. Atlante... Rainier Valence?"

Vivian deliberately used the alias from their last encounter.

Dominic's brow twitched. "Rainier Valence?"

"Your nephew told me that was your name." She turned to Finn. "Isn't that right?"

Finn gave an awkward chuckle. "Uh... yeah?"

He shot a nervous glance at his uncle.

No way was he explaining this was the head of the North American Syndicate.

Dominic's expression remained unreadable. "Indeed. I'm Rainier Valence."

"To what do I owe this visit, Mr. Atlante?" Vivian kept her tone guarded.

Last time he'd come for information. What was his agenda now?

"Finn speaks of you often." Dominic crossed his ankles. "Says the capital is fascinating. I thought I'd see for myself."

Her stomach dropped.

That sounded like a long-term stay.

"The capital has its charms." She forced calm into her voice. "I can recommend excellent hotels and itineraries."

"No need." His gaze pinned her. "I'll stay here. With Finn."

Vivian nearly bit through her tongue.

"Hotels offer more comfort." Her smile strained. "I host frequent gatherings. It gets loud."

Dominic shrugged. "I enjoy lively atmospheres."

"I'm rarely home."

"That's fine."

Her fingers curled into fists.

The man was clearly planting himself here.

"But I'm just a defenseless woman." She feigned vulnerability. "Living with two men hardly seems safe."

Dominic's lips quirked. "What exactly are you concerned about, Miss Laurent?"

"You, Mr. Atlante." Her gaze turned pointed. "Appearances can be deceiving."

"Unnecessary worry." He stood, closing the distance between them. "I'm merely a businessman."

Vivian instinctively stepped back.

"If safety is your concern..." He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. "We could draft an agreement."

Her pulse stuttered.

"What kind of agreement?"

"A cohabitation contract." His smirk deepened. "To guarantee your protection."